New York Capital Brief:
December 21, 2022
In a news conference this week, Governor Hochul declared that she would not consider tax increases in the upcoming State Budget process, saying that raising taxes would go against efforts to reduce the tax burden made earlier this year (i.e. rebate checks sent to property taxpayers and the faster phase-in of a tax rate cut aimed at middle-income earners).
New York Capital Brief:
October 06, 2022
New Siena Poll: Hochul – 54% Zeldin – 37%
With just six weeks until Election Day, a new poll shows Governor Kathy Hochul widening her lead over Republican challenger Congressman Lee Zeldin. Governor Hochul holds a 17-point lead over Zeldin, 54-37%, up slightly from 53-39% in August.
Commissioner’s Determination on Masking in Certain Indoor Settings
September 07, 2022
On September 7th, NYS Department of Health Commissioner Mary Bassett and Governor Hochul determined that face masks arre no longer required, but still encouraged, on subway trains, correctional facilities, detention centers and homeless shelters.
EXTENDED: NY State of Emergency for Monkeypox
August 29, 2022
Governor Kathy Hochul has extended the Executive Order, which declares a State Disaster Emergency in response to the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, through September 27. The Executive Order enables the state to respond more swiftly to the outbreak and allows health care professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated.
Taking Action:
July 01, 2022
New York Capital Brief:
May 05, 2022
Hochul Enacts Election Law Changes– Benjamin Declines Nomination
On Monday evening, lawmakers narrowly approved a bill to allow indicted former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin to decline his nomination as a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
New York Capital Brief:
April 15, 2022
This past Tuesday, Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin was arrested on charges related to campaign finance fraud. The five-count indictment alleges that while he was a State Senator, Benjamin conspired to direct $50,000 in State funds to a Harlem real estate developer’s charity. In exchange, the developer gathered thousands of dollars in illegal contributions to Benjamin’s 2020 Senate campaign and his unsuccessful 2021 bid for New York City comptroller. According to the indictment, Benjamin is being charged with bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy.
New York Capital Brief:
March 04, 2022
Mask Mandates Lifted for Businesses and Schools
Due to declining trends in new COVID cases and New York State’s strong vaccination rates, Governor Hochul has lifted the school mask mandate, with Wednesday March 2nd marking the first day children are no longer required to wear masks in school. This comes shortly after the ‘Mask or Vax’ mandate for all indoor businesses was lifted on February, 10th.
New York Capital Brief:
January 28, 2022
Highlight’s of Hochul’s Executive Budget
Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled her first Executive Budget last week, outlining a $216B spending plan that is focused on rebuilding and rehabilitating the State following the peak devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New York Capital Brief:
January 07, 2022
Governor Announces Booster Mandate for Healthcare Workers
Governor Hochul announced a COVID booster mandate for health care workers. Employees will need to receive a booster shot within two weeks of being eligible for one. There will be no exemptions nor a test-out option.